Chief

Working in an art studio can be a creative and contemplative process. Of course not all the time. Sometimes paint spills on the floor or a giant bumblebee flies in through a window and dive bombs hapless residents (me) until it finally makes its way back outside. Additionally, working in our family art studio can provoke nostalgia.

My father’s name was William Sullivan, but he later came to be known by all his offspring as “Chief”. Chief was a man among men, as well as a talented painter, sculptor and wood carver. After he died, much of his remaining artwork was dispersed among appreciative family members. However, some of his creations are still in the studio.

I enjoy puzzling over the history of the remaining pieces. For instance, Chief created some beautiful carved and painted wood reliefs, but there is one unfinished relief in the studio that I always wonder about. But for the paint, it is almost complete. However, for unknown reasons he didn’t finish it. It will always be a mystery, but in the meantime I enjoy communing with Chief as I work on my own artistic endeavors.

Attached are images of some of his completed painted wood reliefs and his unfinished piece as well. All the images were edited with Snapseed and Prisma.

Holy Family by William John SullivanAdam and Eve by William John SullivanMother Teresa by William John SullivanUnfinished by William John SullivanThe Family Art Studio